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The role of fibrinogen as a cardiovascular risk factor

E Ernst1

  • 1Dept. Phys. Med. Rehab, University of Vienna, Austria.

Atherosclerosis
|April 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Fibrinogen is identified as a significant cardiovascular risk factor. This protein impacts blood clotting, flow, and platelet function, contributing to cardiovascular disease development and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies consistently identify fibrinogen as a key cardiovascular risk factor.
  • Fibrinogen is associated with various demographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and diseases.
  • Clinical studies suggest fibrinogen may also contribute to the sequelae of cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of fibrinogen as a cardiovascular risk factor.
  • To explore the determinants of plasma fibrinogen levels.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying fibrinogen's atherothrombogenic action.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological and clinical cohort studies.
  • Analysis of cross-sectional data.
  • Examination of fibrinogen's effects on coagulation, rheology, and platelet aggregation.

Main Results:

  • Fibrinogen is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Fibrinogen influences blood coagulation, rheology, and platelet aggregation.
  • Fibrinogen and its metabolites have direct effects on the vascular wall.

Conclusions:

  • Fibrinogen should be incorporated into cardiovascular risk profiles.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand fibrinogen's role in cardiovascular disease.
  • Fibrinogen's function as an acute phase protein may contribute to its atherothrombogenic effects.

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